Top British, Pakistani diplomats discuss Islamabad-Delhi tensions
Visiting David Lammy expresses UK's 'determination' to 'ensure fragile� ceasefire between India, Pakistan becomes ‘durable peace'
ISLAMABAD / ISTANBUL
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday discussed tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.
Dar said Islamabad "exercised its right to self-defense" and that "Pakistan’s response remained limited, precise, and proportionate," according to a statement by the Pakistani Foreign Ministry.
The two leaders were discussing recent military escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, which died down after the US mediated a ceasefire last weekend.
Dar appreciated the UK’s "constructive and productive engagement in helping de-escalate the situation," the statement said.
The statement said the two sides underscored the "importance of restraint and sustained dialogue to prevent further escalation and to maintain regional peace and stability."
Lammy welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan—"both" great friends to the UK,” according to a statement by the British government.
He expressed London's "determination" to "play their part to counter terrorism and ensure this fragile ceasefire becomes a durable peace."
Lammy is in Pakistan on a two-day official visit and is expected to meet with Pakistani leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during his stay in Islamabad.
On Thursday, the two countries' militaries decided to continue “confidence-building measures to reduce alertness level."
